INNOVATION January-February 2021

P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E

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UPDATED GUIDELINES ON GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES PROTECTS ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES Archeological artifacts and sites in BC often helps us understand the history and legacy of First Nations and other local communities. For example, an ancient archeological find in 2017 on Triquet Island off BC’s coast—nearly 14,000 years old— There are more than 50,000 archaeological sites currently recorded in BC, with many more being added to the provincial inventory every year. “This new archaeological information makes a valuable

cannot be removed or altered without a permit. The Engineers and Geoscientists BC revised guideline clarifies that registrants have a responsibility to confirm with landowners to ensure that construction or exploration work does not take place in archeologically sensitive areas or areas of significance without appropriate permits, and that any discovery of potential archeological artifacts is properly reported. To learn more about archeology in BC, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ industry/natural-resource-use/archaeology. The Professional Practice Guidelines – Geotechnical Engineering Services for Building Projects , and other Professional Practice guidelines and advisories, can be found at egbc.ca/Guidelines .

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Engineer of Record to ensure respect for culturally significant sites. The revised guideline, issued in Fall 2020, notes that building project owners need to verify that projects are “not within a defined archeological sensitive area or area of significance”, and that registrants can provide services to assist with this owner responsibility. And, if “ground-altering activities” later reveal possible archeological artifacts, that must be reported to the Archaeology Branch of the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Archeological sites are protected under BC’s Heritage Conservation Act , and archeological artifacts—known or not—

contribution to our understanding of the history of our province and prevents the destruction of cultural and non-renewable resources,” the Ministry published on its website. When Engineers and Geoscientists BC updated its Professional Practice Guidelines – Geotechnical Engineering Services for Building Projects —the first update to these guidelines since 1998—it included a provision guiding the project owner and the Geotechnical

gave insight into and support for the oral history of the Heiltsuk Nation. Although sites of this significance are discovered infrequently, according to the Archaeology Branch of the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, archeological artifacts and sites in BC are regularly discovered by hikers, gardeners, home renovators, and property developers.

Proudly offering Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia members Travel insurance solutions since 2009 Johnson Insurance is a tradename of Johnson Inc. (“JI”), a licensed insurance intermediary, and operates as Johnson InsuranceServices in British Columbia and Johnson Inc. in Manitoba. Travel insurance products are underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (“RSA”). Valid provincial or territorial health plan coverage required. Travel Assistance provided by Global Excel Management Inc. The eligibility requirements, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions which apply to the described coverage are as set out in the policy. Policy wordings prevail. JI and RSA share common ownership.

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